<p>I've seen various summer programs at top universities listed here under ECs, and I was wondering what you think about them as far as impressing admissions? I mean, I've seen people that are like, "definitely do summer programs if you can, it will help you a great deal when it comes to getting into colleges. Then I've seen other people who are just like, "no, it makes your resume look worse, and they don't even matter.</p>
<p>If you could post your opinions that'd be great =)</p>
<p>bump? bumpbumpbump?</p>
<p>Well, it also depends on the summer program. Programs like RSI and TASP would probably help your chances at colleges. But then again these summer programs are extremely selective. Colleges just want to see that you are being productive over the summer. Oh and programs that cost like $5000 are generally a waste and just show that you are rich. Yeah....there are hundreds of posts on the topic. Just do a search and you will get plenty of info</p>
<p>Okay, thanks. I just wasn't sure what board/thread to look under for stuff about this. I always see people posting that they did summer journalism workshops at Johns Hopkins, Yale, etc, stuff like that.</p>
<p>medicalmania, is CTY a waste?</p>
<p>well none is a sure in.....i know a case when a tasper called rejected but the same school accepted someone without any spectacular things just basic courses</p>
<p>well, honestly i haven't done CTY so I can't say whether it is or isn't a waste of time. I have friends that take some math courses through CTY for enrichment. They enjoy the program. However, CTY wouldn't be impressive if you're doing it for college resumes. I am thinking about taking a few courses through EGPY. You might want to check it out. </p>
<p>MJ93, what grade are you in?</p>
<p>The basic courses are quite often the thing. Some top schools have programs that allow high schoolers to take just the summer courses without being admitted to the regular school. If you can do well in these courses (especially if they have the regular professors teaching the courses and if they are tough ones, like econ or such), then they realize you can handle the workload when you apply there.</p>
<p>This would be my suggestion--although these regular college courses can sometimes be a bit expensive also.</p>
<p>calcruzer, i'm taking intro to moral philosophy and something called politics in the name of identity at stanford this summer. if i do well, how much do you think it might help me?</p>
<p>Statistically speaking, the people who get into selective summer programs like TASP, RSI, Governor's School, CTY, etc. will be more likely to go to a top college. I don't think this is because the program gives you a boost in admissions necessarily, but rather that the people who are accepted into these programs will usually end up succeeding anyway. Case in point: the two '07ers in my CTY Carlisle 2005 hall got will be heading off to Harvard and MIT this fall.
However, there's also things that you gain from summer programs going beyond simply academics or a boost to college admissions. If you go to a prestigious program or a program at a prestigious university you're undoubtedly going to build up important connections with your peers and your teachers. Also, many of these programs provide a realistic preview of college life, possibly college life at the school you most want to attend. This could possibly give you an advantage in writing the "Why do you want to attend X?" essay.</p>
<p>my two cents based on nothing at all:</p>
<p>I think it shows your intiative and "pro-active-ness" because these summer programs are OPEN for YOU to register, so it's up to YOU to take that step in APPLYING. It shows you are an independent go-getter instead of someone who has always had something handed to them (like a vacation to the Maldives from their parents, not that it's bad, but you know... YOU didn't do very much for it).</p>
<p>Please please please note that this isn't based on ANYTHING, just my own feelings.</p>
<p>Thanksss. I didn't realize til just now that there was a whole board dedicated to summer programs, but that's okay. =]</p>